Broncos discussing an extension with CB Bailey
Legendary Broncos’ cornerback Champ Bailey has decided that he has enough gas left in the tank to play at least another four seasons. Reports out of Denver say that the two sides are working on a four-year contract extension that would keep Bailey in Denver through the 2014 season.
"With respect to the process between our organization and Jack Reale (Bailey's agent), we'd rather keep things private," Broncos general manager Brian Xanders said. "We acknowledge we're in talks."
Bailey is currently in the final season of a seven-year $63 million contract and is set to earn $13 million in 2010. The Broncos already signed several players to extensions this offseason including Kyle Orton; guard Chris Kuper and most notably linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil led the NFL in sacks in 2009 but is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Bailey’s former teammate, retired safety John Lynch believes Bailey has some more good years ahead of him.
"Champ's a thoughtful guy. I knew that from being around him," Lynch said . "He's one of these guys who has his 10-year plan outlined. That's something we talked about. I told him he's going to be another Woodson and steal you another three, four years in this league."
Bailey has also discussed the possibility of shifting to free safety in the future if it would be better suited for the team. At 32 years old, you have to wonder how much longer Bailey can play at his cornerback position that requires more speed and athleticism.
"That's why I had such a high level of respect for him," Lynch said. "He could easily have said, 'Hey, I'm a cover corner, I'm not going to stick my nose in there and get hurt ... But Champ's never been afraid to mix it up. And he's also incredibly instinctive, which is what makes you at the safety position. So, I think it'll be a natural switch when he does," Lynch said. "But I don't think it's that time yet."
Bailey has been an elite shutdown corner in the league his entire career and is a future Hall-of-Famer. The 12-year veteran has been to the Pro Bowl a whopping nine times and was an All-Pro three years in a row (2004-2006). He has racked up 46 interceptions and 662 tackles.
The Washington Redskins drafted Bailey in 1999 and after five seasons. Bailey threatened to holdout if he wasn’t signed to a long-term deal and was surprisingly traded to the Denver Broncos. Bailey got the contract he wanted and has arguably been the Bronco of the decade.
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